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9 Best Specialized Bike Computers and Why You Need One?

What features should every bike computer have?

Even the cheapest, simplest bike computer should show at least:

  • Current Speed - to figure out how fast you're going
  • Trip Distance & Time - to figure out how far from home you are and how long it will take you to get back
  • Total Distance - to figure out how much miles you do per week / month / year and if it's increasing
  • Time - a regular what time is it feature
  • Automatic On & Off - to make sure your cycling is actually recorded (and only your cycling)
  • Water resistant - to make sure rain doesn't stop you from measuring your performance and progress (and maybe location of your kid)

More advanced bike computers typically also have:

  • Average speed - to figure out how fast you go, on average (read: how long it will take you to get through your distance)
  • Maximum speed - to show what's the fastest you can do
  • Distance countdown - not a must have but useful to set your goals and measure progress (i.e. in terms of how far you can go and if it's improving over time)
  • Temperature - again not essential but useful
  • Display backlight - very useful when you cycle after dark. Unfortunately, I do not know a battery-operated meter in which the backlight would work non-stop, in the case of complex devices powered by a built-in battery - it is possible.

Bike computers also have useful training functions:

  • Heart rate monitor - a wristband with a heart rate monitor is added to the bike computer. It is good when the meter works with accessories in the ANT+ and Bluetooth systems
  • Altitude - allows you to monitor the altitude and prepare for uphill or downhill rides better
  • Cadence - show you how fast you're pedalling (revolutions per minute)
  • Lap counter - pretty self explanatory
  • Data transfer - the ability to send data to your phone / laptop so that you can monitor and analyze your performance with objective to improve

High end and typically expensive bike computers also have:

  • GPS – allows you to save the track of the route and check the altitude. I invite you to read the entry about bicycle computers with GPS.
  • Communication with the phone via Bluetooth - the bike computer can then use the GPS in the phone, if it does not have its own. In addition, the bike computer can display notifications about SMS, e-mails, calls, etc.
  • ANT+ allows you to use one pulse sensor in several devices. Better devices give you the possibility to connect a power sensor.
  • Waterproof - brand manufacturers offer devices with IPX7 certification, i.e. the bike computer can be immersed for half an hour in water at a depth of one meter.
  • Compatible with Shimano Di2 and SRAM eTap - allows you to view battery status and current gearing on Shimano and SRAM
  • Wired or Wireless? When buying a meter, especially in the range of USD 20, we may face a dilemma - wired or wireless meter. Okay, you can get a wireless meter for as little as $2 on amazon.com - I'm not sure it won't be more trouble than it's worth. If you do not want to spend more money and you value the reliability of indications, it is best to buy a wired meter. It will be insensitive to disturbances and distortions. However, when buying a wireless meter, it is worth paying attention to whether the data transmission is encrypted (digital), because then the meter will be less sensitive to interference.
Best Bike Computers and why you need one

Mid-Tier Bike Computers For Above 50 USD - Is It Worth Buying?

Before I show you some interesting computer models, let’s consider whether it makes sense to buy a regular bicycle computer, without a GPS receiver, which costs more than $ 50? This question is not unreasonable, because for about USD 100 we will buy a “traditional”, top Sigma 23.16 STS counter (with a set of sensors: speed, cadence and pulse – all based on Sigma’s proprietary system).

And at the same time, for similar money, we will get, for example, a bicycle computer with GPS Bryton 420 E, which allows you to share rides on portals such as Strava or Endomondo, as well as their in-depth analysis.

Traditional counters have a big advantage over GPS counters when it comes to uptime. They work on one CR2032 battery for about a year. Counter with GPS, depending on the model, will work from 8 to 35 hours. 

Their second advantage is simplicity – if you do not need to share your rides with others (or you do it occasionally and you only need a phone for this purpose), you do not “play” in segments (virtual racing with yourself and others on different sections of roads) , you do not need navigation, you are not interested in constant backlighting of the screen (there are counters for ordinary batteries with this option, but it discharges it very quickly) – a regular counter can be a good option.

The third advantage is richer equipment, as I mentioned above, we can immediately buy an ordinary meter in a set with sensors, for which in the case of a computer, you have to spend extra money (smaller or larger).

Basic Bike Computers Below 25 USD

Don’t fall for the “30 counter functions for $10” advertising gimmick. Some of them are, for example, choosing the speed unit or setting the tire circumference (these two options are standard in every meter, but it’s not an additional great function), “fat burning” function or overspeed alarm.

Sigma BC 5.16 – This is a basic Sigma counter for around $20. It is equipped with the most necessary functions, such as speed, partial and total distance, ride time and clock. The meter meets the IPX8 standard, which means that it can withstand even temporary immersion in water.

Amazon.com : Sigma BC 5.16
Amazon.com : Sigma BC 5.16
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CAT EYE Velo 9 simple wired cycling computer for about $25. It can  Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, calories, carbon offset, pace arrow, and clock. The holder allows you to mount it on the handlebar or on the stem.

CATEYE - Velo 9 Wired Bike Computer (Black)
CATEYE - Velo 9 Wired Bike Computer (Black)
$31.95
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11/15/2024 12:18 pm GMT

Bike Computers Below 50 USD

VDO M3.1 Wireless, Handlebar or Stem Mount Bicycle Computer : we will find here such functions as: current, average and maximum speed, partial and total distance, partial and total riding time, clock, segmental time / distance measurement, thermometer, screen backlight, can be used on two bicycles.

Sigma BC 9.16 ATS – this meter also comes in two versions, the wired one costs about USD 30, while the wireless ATS costs about USD 50. The counter includes: current, average and maximum speed, partial and total distance, partial and total driving time, calories burned and a clock.

Sigma BC 9.16 ATS Wireless Bike Computer
Sigma BC 9.16 ATS Wireless Bike Computer
$39.13
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11/15/2024 01:47 am GMT

CATEYE Padrone Wireless wireless bike computer starts at around $50. Available in 6 colors including US Flag colors and measures: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, and clock.

CATEYE - Padrone Wireless Bike Computer (Black)
CATEYE - Padrone Wireless Bike Computer (Black)
$54.95
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03/06/2024 04:22 pm GMT

Bike Computers Prices Around 100 USD

Sigma 16.16 STS CAD Wireless Bike Computer with Cadence In addition to the basic functions, you will also find here: distance and time to destination countdown, thermometer, the ability to switch between two bikes, current and average cadence, backlighting.

Sigma BC 16.16 STS CAD Wireless Bike Computer with Cadence
Sigma BC 16.16 STS CAD Wireless Bike Computer with Cadence
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MEILAN Blade Wireless Bike Computer I do not know this bike computer, but it sells like hotcakes on the internet and has good reviews. It costs about USD 70, and in the set, apart from the counter itself, we also get two handles and a speed / cadence sensor. Bluetooth BLE4.0 /ANT+ is also standard. The counter has a 2.5-inch screen and, interestingly, it is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, charged via USB. Thanks to this, the backlight of the screen will not run out of power so quickly. The counter can show many parameters, apart from the basic ones, also pulse, cadence, power.

Should You Go For GPS Bike Computer or Use Your Smartphone?

I wrote this text from the perspective of a cycling enthusiast, not a professional cyclist. I simply often go by bike somewhere further, somewhere I haven’t been before and on a bike that I test at the moment. I don’t train professionally, I don’t always measure pulse, cadence or power; I also sporadically analyze the parameters of the ride after returning home (which I know I should improve on). Most often, I will show my record number of miles traveled on my bike to my Friends (and here on inspiredcyclist.com).

Advantages of using a smartphone as a cycling computer

Currently, each of us has a smartphone, older, newer, cheaper, more expensive, but everyone has it. We usually don’t part with our smartphones for more than a moment, so why not take it with you on a bike?

We do not need to mount any additional cable on the bike – everything happens wirelessly. GPS will help in navigating and recording the route, and Bluetooth and ANT + allow you to connect additional sensors. The most popular ones are used to measure heart rate, cadence, i.e. the number of turns per minute, power and speed – if we ride in a dense forest, where GPS is not so precise, and we want a more accurate measurement.

In low-end smartphones, GPS accuracy may drop when driving in a dense forest. And the drop will be so large that, for example, it will completely prevent navigation

Possibility of wireless internet connection

In bicycle computers, only mid-range and high-end models have built-in WiFi. In cheaper models, for example, route synchronization is carried out thanks to the connection with the phone via Bluetooth. Some older meters synchronize only by connecting them with a cable to the computer (which is tiring in the long run).

On the other hand, each smartphone has the ability to connect to the Internet via WiFi or a cellular network, as long as we insert a SIM card into it.

Great selection of applications

I have already written a bit about bicycle applications on the blog, but there are so many of them that everyone will find something for themselves. Applications can navigate us, show and record parameters and the route, they can display the most popular bicycle paths in a given area, etc.

A huge plus is the fact that you can test them all – even if some are paid, there is usually also a limited, free version available, thanks to which we can check the program’s capabilities. You’ll like it – it stays and we buy the full version. You don’t like it – we delete it without regret.

Big screen on steering wheel

This is not an advantage for everyone, because carrying your beloved smartphone on the steering wheel is not always a good solution. However, there is no doubt that the screens in bicycle computers are simply small.

Disadvantages of using a smartphone as a cycling computer​

Typically poor battery life

This is probably the biggest problem with phones. Depending on the model, screen brightness and size, battery capacity and application optimization – the operating time with the screen on will usually be up to several hours. Record holders such as the Asus Zenfone Max I once described – they can work with the display on for up to 10 hours, but you have to remember that these are relatively large and heavy phones, which will not suit everyone.

The time between charges can be extended by purchasing a powerbank. You still need to hide it somewhere, but a bag on the frame (or under the frame) or an additional power bank holder will help.

Problem with using in the rain

Most phones are not waterproof and the warranty does not cover damage caused by water or spills. This is a big problem considering the prices of new smartphones and the amount of data we store in them – for example, photos from our bicycle trips.

I don’t know if this applies to all phones, but the ones I’ve had over the years have always been stupid in heavy rain -the screen simply reacted to drops of water falling on it and you could use the phone only after putting it in a waterproof case which is not particularly convenient, but at least it protects against getting wet.

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